If you think that a massage is something people have only for pampering themselves, you’re only 31% right. A recent study by the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) found that 69% of massages today are for medical reasons, relaxation, and stress reduction.
According to the AMTA, the massage therapist "applies manual techniques and may apply adjunctive therapies, with the intention of positively affecting the health and well-being of the client." These techniques include hands-on muscle manipulation as well as adjunctive therapies such as hydrotherapy, reflexology, etc.
You can join this fascinating field with the new Associate in Applied Science degree in Massage Therapy from Northwestern Business College (NBC). Talk about a hands-on education! NBC’s Massage Therapy program combines health care-related instruction with business-related topics and general education subjects to provide a well-rounded curriculum to prepare you for success in this fast-growing field.
The federal government classifies massage therapy as an emerging occupation, with anticipated growth of 27.1%, more than double the national average. Medical insurers are increasingly covering the services of massage therapists, which bodes well for growth in both employment and earnings. According to Salary.com, massage therapists earn a median salary of $49,159 per year. Prospects appear to be even brighter in the Chicago area, which has a disproportionately small supply of colleges offering degrees and producing graduates in massage therapy.*
*Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2004-2005 edition
Massage therapy is a rapidly growing profession, and a number of employers are adding massage therapists to their staff, including sports medicine centers, holistic health centers, chiropractic and naprapathic practices, orthopedic clinics, health and fitness centers, spas, and physical/occupational therapy departments. Massage therapists can also start their own private practice or work in a hospital.
Northwestern Business College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, 30 North LaSalle Street, Room 2400, Chicago, Illinois 60602, (312) 263-0456, www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org.
